Trucks queue at the Tân Thanh international border gate in northern Lạng Sơn Province to export goods to China. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The Chinese Embassy in Việt Nam held a press teleconference in Hà Nội on Thursday to discuss bilateral ties and international cooperation in the fight against COVID-19.
Speaking at the event, Minister-Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam Yin Haihong said 2020 is a special year in bilateral relations as the two countries are celebrating the 70th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties.

On January 16, Vietnamese Party General Secretary and President Nguyễn Phú Trọng held phone talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, dung which they agreed to enhance political trust and promote traditional solidarity and friendliness between the two nations for the sake of their people and for peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world, Yin said, adding that the two leaders also consented to properly settle existing problems in bilateral relations.

She said amid the COVID-19 pandemic, senior leaders of the two nations informed each other about the outcomes of fighting the disease in each country and discussed cooperation in coping with its new developments.
According to the official, cooperation in epidemic prevention and control has become a spotlight in Việt Nam-China ties.
As China was at the most difficult time to struggle with the pandemic, the Vietnamese Government donated medical supplies worth US$500,000 to China at the earliest time, she said, adding that the Vietnam Red Cross Society also presented medical equipment worth $100,000 to the Chinese people.
Vietnamese provinces bordering China also granted medical supplies to Chinese counterparts. In particular, two Chinese COVID-19 patients were successfully treated in Việt Nam for free and the considerate care of Vietnamese medical staff impressed the Chinese people, she said.
Yin added that considering seriousness and demand of several countries, China sent teams of medical staff to share experience and offer medical supplies to them, including Việt Nam.
About farm produce stuck at some border gates, Yin said the two countries’ authorities discussed measures to promptly deal with the issue.
Answering questions about ways to cut the trade deficit between Việt Nam and China, she said the two countries are striving to boost trade and investment, contributing to their sustainable trade.
The diplomat also mentioned measures to overcome economic impacts after the pandemic is pushed back and intensify two-way trade in the near future. — VNS